I am up at the crack of dawn. On the schedule is a half day of sightseeing in San Jose, which turns out to be more than enough time. Most of it is spent figuring out one's location. I wonder if Ticans believe in street signs?
I wander along Avenida Central, checking out the illegal street vendors' wares, pick up a maracuya batido (passion fruit smoothie), then checking out the food stands inside the Mercado Centrale. One good thing about the early hour in the market is that the petty thieves are still in bed. I spy a yummy looking stack of cheese filled tortillas. That is what I´ll have for breakfast.
By this time, the Teatro Nacional's doors are open. Sipping a papaya batido at this elegant cafe, sitting at a marble table surrounded by baroque curves makes for a pleasant pastime in San Jose.
The Central Bank´s museums with its money and pre-Columbian gold exhibits aren't a must-see but again, not a bad way to while away a couple of hours.
I head to a vegetarian soda, a casual lunch counter, and order a casado (¨married man's lunch¨), a hearty set lunch plate.
My shuttle to La Fortuna turns out to be a private taxi, as I am its only passenger. How can they make money on my $39 USD, driving 3 hours each way?
I arrived at Arenal Backpackers, which despite its billing, is not as nice as Pangea (which I have found to be the best reason to stay in San Jose). I do meet a great bunch of people though--Mike from Ohio, Richie from Wales, Ronnie from California, and 3 from Alaska. We spend the evening immersed in Bondi's hot springs. Those kinks are finally starting to work their way out.
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